Highlights
- AI needs to be consciously designed to avoid exacerbating inequalities.
- We need to find common ground on regulation and share our advancements with all.
- Coalitions and collective action will help us realizse the potential of technology
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AI for sustainability
As I reflect on the dynamic discussions at our exclusive roundtable at Davos 2025, I am struck by the profound potential of AI and technology as tools to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Under the banner “AI for Sustainability: Unlocking Synergies for Climate Action, Health, and Responsible Governance,” leaders from a wide range of industries convened to explore the intersection of technology, climate action, and sustainable development in an era of perpetual change. I was proud to be a part of such a thought-provoking dialogue, and it underscored for me both the promise and the responsibility that comes with leveraging technology for good.
Our discussions were set in motion by a powerful opening statement reminding us that human intelligence needs to be embedded at the core of all AI applications. This resonated deeply throughout the session, serving as a guiding principle as we explored how AI could address critical issues and how much there is at stake.
Technology as an enabler
The role of AI and technology in advancing sustainability cannot be understated. Climate action and environmental sustainability are no longer optional – they are imperatives for us all.
At the same time, AI is emerging as a powerful enabler, offering solutions like predictive analytics for climate modeling, optimizing energy systems, and enabling circular economies. Already, we see a world where advanced AI-driven insights can predict flood risks, manage drought responses, and even optimize urban energy consumption.
Even so, more needs to be done, and we must ensure these solutions are implemented in ways that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. For example, TCS's AI-powered automated sanitation inspection system helps ensure that thousands of school toilets remain clean, improving attendance rates and providing significant benefits for girls.
Engineers as the new doctors
As AI and machine learning revolutionize healthcare and other industries, engineers are at the forefront of designing tools that directly affect our lives.
This was one of the most intriguing points of the debate for me: the question around the role of engineers and technology experts in the AI era and whether engineers really are the new doctors in the AI age.
Whether developing AI-driven diagnostic tools or solutions for sustainable agriculture, engineers must be held to a higher standard of ethical responsibility, much like doctors. This requires a shift in education and training to ensure that engineers are not only technically proficient but also equipped with the skills to think about and prioritise societal wellbeing.
We discussed the need for more emphasis on soft skills and fostering “Masters of Better Alternatives” – individuals and leaders who possess the ability to think critically, creatively, and ethically in response to complex challenges.
Collaborating to overcome silos
A recurring theme in our discussions was the urgent need to break down silos across industries, governments, and communities.
As one of the panelists aptly noted, we are in a scientific golden age, yet there remains a growing divide between those who benefit from advancements and those who do not. This disparity risks exacerbating societal inequalities unless we take deliberate steps.
Just as collaboration is essential, so is involving communities that often lack representation in decision-making processes. The standards and regulations that govern AI and technology must reflect diverse perspectives, ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and equity. The question is not just about what we discuss in Davos, but what actions we take away with us and implement in our daily lives.
AI to benefit everyone
One participant warned that we must ensure AI does not stand for “Advancing Inequity” and to achieve this, we must monitor its capabilities, risks, and opportunities.
Different countries will naturally adopt diverse approaches to AI regulation, shaped by their unique political, cultural and economic contexts, making regular policy dialogues and evidence-based assessments essential for mutual learning. Equity and diversity must remain central, and a global effort is critical to building capacity and addressing the digital divide.
While AI has immense potential to drive progress in health, climate action, and governance, this progress will not happen automatically. It requires deliberate effort and collaboration.
Looking to the future with optimism
The collective energy and purpose expressed by the leaders at Davos demonstrate that we can actively shape the change that is needed.
I came away from the session with a sense of optimism.
By embedding human intelligence at the heart of AI and prioritizing community-driven solutions, we can leverage technology to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world. As I return home after a busy and fulfilling trip to Davos, I will take inspiration from the insights and commitments shared during this dialogue and elsewhere at the event.
The path ahead demands bold action, thoughtful collaboration, and an unwavering focus on ensuring technology serves as a force for good. If we can get this right, we can harness its power to deliver meaningful change for generations to come.
